Marionette

The Marionette is the most common enemy in Devil May Cry. Marionettes were once puppets created to be a tool of enjoyment, but demons have since gotten their hands on them and now they are controlled by Mundus. Marionettes usually lie on the ground until approached, at which point they will jump up and try to attack Dante. They usually appear in groups, but are fairly easy to kill. However, their more powerful variation, the Bloody Mari, is adept at blocking or countering Dante's attacks, making it much more dangerous. Marionettes and Bloody Maris can be equipped with pendulum blades, daggers, darts, and even shotguns. When a Marionette or Bloody Mari is defeated, the demon possessing them evaporates in a purple mist.

Strategy
Marionettes are easy to destroy. Whenever you hear repeated whirring and "ka-tick" sounds, jump or dodge to evade their incoming attack. If their warcry immobilizes you, wiggle your Left Analog Stick left and right repeatedly to break free or activate Devil Trigger.

Their daggers are thrown in a straight line. The pendulum blades curve all around. The shotguns, however powerful, leave them wide open for attack after they have fired.

You can defeat Marionettes easily by hitting them into the air and shooting at them with Ebony and Ivory.

Background
Marionettes are puppets controlled by a puppeteer using strings. They are used for performance in theaters and are enjoyed mostly by kids. Marionettes were widely used in Italy during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period.

"Bloody Mari" is a marionette-based pun on "Bloody Mary".

Trivia

 * The "Immortal Marionette" accessory from Bayonetta, another game directed by Hideki Kamiya, is designed after the Bloody Mari.